The Brick-yard Homepage Brickwerks
Forum Home Forum Home > T5 Section > T5 Chat
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Leisure Battery
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Leisure Battery
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123 8>
Author
Message
  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
BlackBeltBlakey View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: West Sussex
Status: Offline
Points: 500 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BlackBeltBlakey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Leisure Battery
    Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 09:57

First thing I'm thinking I’d like to do to my new van is to stick a Leisure Battery in.  The sort of spare battery you get in full blown campers – with external mains hookup, and the ability to run a couple of 12v sockets and hopefully a 240v socket or two as well.    As I’m hoping to fit a bed in there at some stage in the future, it would be perfect if this battery could be housed somewhere outside of the back section – preferably somewhere under the vehicle I guess – so that it isn’t a factor when adding the bed system later.  Oh, and I’d like a meter reading of the battery levels available inside the van.

 
Been looking on the forums here and on various web sites for ideas and prices and I've found this page:
 
Can anyone demystify this lot for me please?  I'm a total electrical numpty and half of this means nothing to me.   Out of all that lot what would I need to satisfy my requirements?  All of it?  Part of it?
 
Thanks for any help you can offer!
 
Cheers
Blakey

 

 
2007 130PS SWB Pearl Black Kombi. My Van Blog.
Back to Top
Ex-car bloke View Drop Down
Vanorak
Vanorak


Joined: 17 Jan 06
Location: Scotland
Status: Offline
Points: 1612 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ex-car bloke Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 12:14
Miles away from you Blakey but Jerba Camper conversions (North Berwick, Scotland) do a leisure battery that sits under the van in a custom built stainless steel cage.  Pricey though so I haven't had my done....yet.
ECB           2006 SWB 174 window van
Back to Top
Acijai View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: Swindon, Wilts
Status: Offline
Points: 143 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acijai Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 12:26
Blakey you will need the following...
 
Leisure battery wired up with a split charging relay
£300.00 inc VAT
 
then...
 
ZIG panel supplied and wired up to the leisure battery
£100.00 inc VAT
 
Then you will have to look at the 240v hook as a seperate thing but to be honest that looks bloody expensive considering it isnt all that hard to do, im no sparky but i managed it in both my last conversions.
Example: You could get 110amp battery for about £70-00p and a split charger for around £35-00p and your zig unit for the battery will be around £35-00p and then all you gotto do is wiring it up and trust me it isnt that bad  and you save yourself a few £££.
 
As for the 240v you will need either one advertised on that site depending on if you want just one plug socket in the van or several and if you want a flashy zig unit for your 240v and 12v all together but again i dont see the need for a zig unit on your 240v hook up.
 
The cheaper option is go to screwfix get yourself a 240v fuse box with say 3 or 4 outputs (like the ones at home in your garage only small) and some 2.5mm electrical cable (enough for around the van) and some nice sockets and buy a hook up box or lead depending on how you want to do it and that lot will be all around the £100.00p mark and wiring that up is easier than the 12v i would say.
 
As for putting the leisure battery under the van im not sure there would be room for one under there the best place would be in the back cupboard when its in then its easy to get to should you need to.
 
I hope that makes some sort of sense and helps you a little.
 
Good luck!
I've got the van bug bad and its going to kill my wallet!
Back to Top
Acijai View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: Swindon, Wilts
Status: Offline
Points: 143 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acijai Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 12:31
Ex-car bloke have you got a link to that battery box as id love to see where that would fit? I have looked on their site but i cant see it.
 
Cheers.
I've got the van bug bad and its going to kill my wallet!
Back to Top
BlackBeltBlakey View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: West Sussex
Status: Offline
Points: 500 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BlackBeltBlakey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 12:44
Is it worth buying the bits on the net (found a link to a site which sells them from the "Useful Links" page), and then paying my local Stealer to fit them?   Or would that end up being the same sort of price.   Guess I can call and ask for a price.
 
I know I can't do this myself - I'd end up frying myself.  :-)
2007 130PS SWB Pearl Black Kombi. My Van Blog.
Back to Top
rob64981 View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 23 May 05
Location: Adelaide OZ
Status: Offline
Points: 435 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rob64981 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 12:46
Why not put the leisure battery under the passenger seat like the do from the factory?
 
Its a very easy route to take.
 
Rob 
Back to Top
BlackBeltBlakey View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: West Sussex
Status: Offline
Points: 500 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BlackBeltBlakey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 12:50
Originally posted by rob64981 rob64981 wrote:

Why not put the leisure battery under the passenger seat like the do from the factory?
 
Its a very easy route to take.
 
Rob 
 
Because I've just had a swivel base with built in safe put under there.  No room left sadly.  Smile
2007 130PS SWB Pearl Black Kombi. My Van Blog.
Back to Top
Acijai View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: Swindon, Wilts
Status: Offline
Points: 143 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acijai Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 12:58
Blakey you could try getting the bits yourself then get an auto electrician to fit it for you that may work out cheaper I know this is not alot of use to you but these guys are from Swindon and Bristol and they charge about £70-00p to fit a slit charge system, im sure you'll have a similar company down your way.
 
http://www.hallselectrical.com/index.php?mn=1
 
 
 
 
 
I've got the van bug bad and its going to kill my wallet!
Back to Top
BlackBeltBlakey View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: West Sussex
Status: Offline
Points: 500 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BlackBeltBlakey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 13:02
Originally posted by Acijai Acijai wrote:

Blakey you could try getting the bits yourself then get an auto electrician to fit it for you that may work out cheaper I know this is not alot of use to you but these guys are from Swindon and Bristol and they charge about £70-00p to fit a slit charge system, im sure you'll have a similar company down your way.
 
http://www.hallselectrical.com/index.php?mn=1
 
 
They sound top draw.  I'll have to see if I can find someone similar down here.   After all, SW Conversions (the page I originally posted) are in Devon so they're miles away!   I don't think we have a handy conversion company in the Sout East - if anyone knows different please shout!
 
Funnily enough I'm a Bristolian although I've been down in the South East most of my life now.    Still pop back fairly regularly to watch the rugby at the Mem though.
2007 130PS SWB Pearl Black Kombi. My Van Blog.
Back to Top
BlackBeltBlakey View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: West Sussex
Status: Offline
Points: 500 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BlackBeltBlakey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 13:31
Is my understanding of this right?
 
If you add a leisure battery with this split charging relay thing, then if you plug a fridge into it, that drains the leisure battery and when the leisure battery is totally dead, because of the split charging relay, no power will come from the driving battery?   The fridge will clearly not be powered anymore and your beer will slowly get warm but the van will still start.  Right?
 
And then when you start up and drive along the alternator will recharge the leisure battery as well as the driving battery.  Right?
 
So in other words, other than for interests sake the ZIG panel thing is something handy but not totally required.    I think that's right.
 
Also, if you then add a mains hook up you can either have this go straight to a couple of 240v sockets, or else you can have it connected to a couple of sockets PLUS have it charge the batteries.  Is that right?
 
If that's all correct can you happily add the ZIG panel and the mains hook up later in life?  And if so, do you need a specific type of battery to enable these things to be added later?
 
Sorry for all the questions.   I think I'm getting there but just need clarification.
 
 
BTW, found a motorhome specialist in Brighton some 15 miles away from me who are open all week and will do campervan stuff so they have been approached for a quote too.    Hopefully with a few quotes from other companies I'll be able to get a deal...
 
Cheers!
2007 130PS SWB Pearl Black Kombi. My Van Blog.
Back to Top
Acijai View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: Swindon, Wilts
Status: Offline
Points: 143 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acijai Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 13:48
1st question: That is correct Blakey no matter what is connected to Leisure Battery, when that battery is dead it will not effect your engine battery!
 
2nd question: the alternator charges both batteries at the same time, see you know what your on about, you could wire it up i reckon Clap save some £££.
 
3rd question: That is also correct but you will have to a charger box to charge the battery off 240v.
 
4th question: Also correct you can add anything at anytime you wish wiring in the zip unit is the easiest task out of all of it!
 
I reckon you can do it blakey, have faith!
 
Let me know how you get on with it all, even if you dont do it yourself.
 
I've got the van bug bad and its going to kill my wallet!
Back to Top
BlackBeltBlakey View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: West Sussex
Status: Offline
Points: 500 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BlackBeltBlakey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 13:55
Thanks heaps for the answers.  Deffo not going to do it myself as I'll kill myself when I get it wrong.  Smile
 
My girlfriend wants to buy me something for the van for my birthday this month (she must be getting into the whole van thing now I reckon!) and I'm thinking perhaps the leisure battery on it's own would be an okay thing to go for - we can go halves on the cost or something.
 
I'm thinking the battery has to come first, followed by the mains hook up and then the ZIG panel.  I'll post the figures my local conversion people quote me when I get them in case anyone else is interested.
 
I'm guessing that the mains hook up involves some body work, right?  As they have to add some sort of external plug to the outside of the van.  My guess is that will be costly...
2007 130PS SWB Pearl Black Kombi. My Van Blog.
Back to Top
Acijai View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: Swindon, Wilts
Status: Offline
Points: 143 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acijai Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 14:22
Yeah keep us posted on it im always curious as what costs are involved with different companies Thumbs Up.
 
The mains hook up doesnt necessarily have to involve body work, like holes etc because you can have a little external hook up box mounted under your van at the back, to be honest i think that would be your best bet anyway.
 
Ill have a look to see if i can find any on the net for you in a bit, im sure some people on here have already got them.  
I've got the van bug bad and its going to kill my wallet!
Back to Top
Acijai View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: Swindon, Wilts
Status: Offline
Points: 143 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acijai Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 14:27
External one....
 
 
Flush fitting (hole in the van jobby)
 
 
Im sure there is better examples about but thats all i could find in the quickest time possible lol.
 
Go with the external box and fit it under the van at the back somewhere, thats my opinion anyway.
I've got the van bug bad and its going to kill my wallet!
Back to Top
Acijai View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: Swindon, Wilts
Status: Offline
Points: 143 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acijai Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 14:29
All you will ever need right here.....
 
 
 
I use to use them when i did my other campers out but couldnt remember their name and it just appeared on google.
 
But note some parts you can get from screwfix a lot lot lot lot lot cheaper than there but they are handy.
 
You will be be able to see the full power management system which does 12v and 240v all in one in the top left of the page just below the clips.
 


Edited by Acijai - 10 Aug 09 at 14:34
I've got the van bug bad and its going to kill my wallet!
Back to Top
Maggy View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 07 Jun 09
Location: Sweden
Status: Offline
Points: 69 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Maggy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 14:39
Okay... excuse me for popping in to this thread. My Caravelle have the original extra battery under the left front seat.
How does it work?
Is it used for starting the vehicle or just for accessories and if so WHAT accessories draw its current from the extra battery?

Sorry....
/Maggy, The (Male) Swede

T5 Caravelle 2,5 TDI AXE LWB 174hp (210hp)LWB 4motion -07

BMW K1600GTLE -16
Back to Top
Acijai View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: Swindon, Wilts
Status: Offline
Points: 143 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acijai Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 14:55
Maggy the extra battery is for running accessories in the back like lights and anyother 12v bits you may have in the back unless the caravelle has an extra engine battery for some weird reason. 
It all depends who put the battery in the van in the first place and how they wired it up because in previous conversions ive done ive actually wired the main van stereo in the front off the leisure battery so i dont drain my engine battery whilst parked up but the people who i sold those vans to wouldnt have known that unless i told them or they knew what they were looking for so it maybe best to get in contact with person you bought the van from if possilbe.
 
Hope that helps Maggy!
I've got the van bug bad and its going to kill my wallet!
Back to Top
mcguyver View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie


Joined: 04 May 09
Status: Offline
Points: 169 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mcguyver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 16:20
Hi BBB. Whether you're DIYing or getting a pro in, make sure that flex is used for 240 volt wiring in the van and not cable. By flex I mean the stuff attached to your kettle, hoover etc. Cable is the stiff stuff running around your house connecting the fuse box to socket outlets and is quite brittle, definately not suitable for mobile electrics.
 
If you're at all uncertain about doing the wiring, it's best to call in a pro. The mains voltage side could be deadly if any mistakes are made, and, while you'll not be killed by 12 volts, there are plenty of car fires caused by botched wiring.
 
I really like that power socket in the bumper idea from the link in your original post. It looks neat and saves you taking a tin opener to the side of your van. If you fit an underslung fresh water tank, you could put the filler in the other side of the bumper and save another hole.
 
I don't know much about fitting a battery underneath the van, but it would certainly make ventilation easy. Try Googling 'CAK Tanks' they might have something suitable.
 
mac
 
Back to Top
BlackBeltBlakey View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: West Sussex
Status: Offline
Points: 500 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BlackBeltBlakey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 16:40
Originally posted by mcguyver mcguyver wrote:

Hi BBB. Whether you're DIYing or getting a pro in, make sure that flex is used for 240 volt wiring in the van and not cable. By flex I mean the stuff attached to your kettle, hoover etc. Cable is the stiff stuff running around your house connecting the fuse box to socket outlets and is quite brittle, definately not suitable for mobile electrics.
Good info - thanks!
 
Quote  
If you're at all uncertain about doing the wiring, it's best to call in a pro. The mains voltage side could be deadly if any mistakes are made, and, while you'll not be killed by 12 volts, there are plenty of car fires caused by botched wiring.
If you consider I own a screw driver and that's about it tools-wise, and can just about change a plug - but would probably check google first - I think you can see that I'm not the man for the job.  Don't worry, I know my limitations and this is WAY beyond my skills.  I'm shopping around for prices from the pros as we speak so will let you know what I get.
 
Quote I really like that power socket in the bumper idea from the link in your original post. It looks neat and saves you taking a tin opener to the side of your van.
Yeah deffo liking the minimal damage approach!
 
Quote If you fit an underslung fresh water tank, you could put the filler in the other side of the bumper and save another hole.
Good idea but I'm not ever going as far as sticking a sink in the van so no need for any water effects for me.
 
Quote
 I don't know much about fitting a battery underneath the van, but it would certainly make ventilation easy. Try Googling 'CAK Tanks' they might have something suitable.
Will do!
 
 
Thanks for the replies and help all!
2007 130PS SWB Pearl Black Kombi. My Van Blog.
Back to Top
BlackBeltBlakey View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Jul 09
Location: West Sussex
Status: Offline
Points: 500 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BlackBeltBlakey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Aug 09 at 16:43
Originally posted by Acijai Acijai wrote:

All you will ever need right here.....
 
 
 
I use to use them when i did my other campers out but couldnt remember their name and it just appeared on google.
 
But note some parts you can get from screwfix a lot lot lot lot lot cheaper than there but they are handy.
 
You will be be able to see the full power management system which does 12v and 240v all in one in the top left of the page just below the clips.
 
 
That's quite a lot of money: £165.95 for a "power management system".  Is that basically simply a flash ZIG panel?  It doesn't seem to offer much more than the ZIG does it?   i.e. that's not even including a battery!  And I don't think that includes any sort of charger for a second battery?
 
Perhaps this whole thing is going to cost WAY more than I originally thought...
 
2007 130PS SWB Pearl Black Kombi. My Van Blog.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123 8>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.06
Copyright ©2001-2023 Web Wiz Ltd.

The WebThis site